The beach extends but a mile away,I hear the children in the surf as they play.
My hand outstretched in vane, I need your help to ease my pain.
I felt my feet leave the sand, as the cross current took me in hand.
I drifted right then out I went, the rip sapped the last of my strength.
See my hand I am holding it high, I only want to breath on land and not drown and die.
Save me my lifeguard friend, let me live to stroll the waters edge at days end.
I seek your help my lesson is learnt ,I need to be upon the beach not floating face down sun baked and burnt.
I want you now come save my life, dont let me drown and leave my children and wife.
Alas I fear no help will come and I am starting to sink, to the watery depths where there is no sun.
To drown alone is so final and cruel, I wish I had learnt to swim I feel such a fool.
I raise my hand to give one last chance in the hope a lifeguard will see me at a glance……………
Well folks the poetry of the sea is sometimes so cruel and decisive, as a lifeguard I have saved many who didnt understand that learning to swim is critical if you want to play in the sea, lakes or rivers.
Whatever you do I hope you heed my very brief poem of reality as I dont want this to be you this summer.
Mark G